Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Wednesday's Walk

We had a bit of rain in the last 24 hours, but it has ended now.  There's no reason that we can't go outside and have a look about...


This lichen is dotted with rain drops.

Look at the swollen buds on the Big Leaf Maple!

More raindrops...

Last week I teased that the blooms of the Grand Hound's Tongue (Cynoglossum grande) would provide visual proof of why it is a member of the Forget-me-not family. Here's the proof!  

An early bloom on one of the many wild Strawberries.

This is a patch of Clover worthy of St. Patrick's Day!

The small Western Trilliums (Trillium Ovatum) are beginning to bloom.

A waterfall of Indian Plum / Osoberry (Oemleria cerasiformis).  Oh but they are a lovely sight, lighting up the forest on a gray day.

The willow catkins are a lovely shade of green - Scuppernog maybe? 

The Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium) is budded up.
This plant has Oregon school colors.  Is it shouting out "Go Ducks!" for the Sweet 16 Oregon / Louisville basketball game tomorrow?

There's the status of the Pacific Bleeding Heart (Dicentra formosa).  If it never bloomed, it would still be worthy of note - the serrated leaves are so pretty.

Large False Solomon's Seal (Maianthemum racemosum).  It will sport a pretty spray of blossoms at the end of the stalk.

Speaking of pretty white blossoms...
There are two kinds of small wilding trees blooming now.
One is leafing out and has tan / brown bark...

...the other has reddish bark and no leaves as of yet.

Look at these bright green leaves on the Pacific Ninebark (Physocarpus capitatus).  It took me a while to figure this one out. I suffer from Season Indentification Disorder - I can recognize a plant or shrub in the Summer, but not in the Winter or early Spring!

I hadn't expect to see the Corn Lilies (Veratrum californicum) already.  They grow in the deep, boggy shade and really light up the dark, wet areas.  

We have two of three kinds of wild Lupine.  The leaves are easily recognizable. 

Patience! 
While the leaves of the Lamb's Tongue / Oregon Fawn Lilies (Erythronium oregonum) are just emerging, it will be a few weeks yet before they begin to bloom (if the deer don't eat them first).

Lots of signs of Spring out there.  I hope you enjoyed today's walk.

2 comments:

Robin in Virginia said...

I totally enjoyed today's walk with the signs of spring everywhere. I did see some daffodil shoots alongside the road on Monday. Not many, but they have begun.

Sandra said...

I love your walks, you are very knowledgeable. I can't believe you have Trilliums blooming already. You should think about doing guided tours with a bit of bird spotting thrown in.